#United States #Chicago #Kennametal #NASCAR #Tooling

Kennametal Partners with NASCAR as Official Tooling Supplier

In a significant development for both the manufacturing and motorsport industries, Kennametal Inc. has been officially designated as the Official Tooling Supplier of NASCAR. This announcement was made by Dave Bersaglini, the Vice President of Kennametal, during the company's Next Level Shop exhibit at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) held in Chicago on September 14, 2026.

Significance of Precision in NASCAR

NASCAR is renowned for its high-performance demands, and every modification in a race car can have a critical impact on its performance. Speaking at the event, Bersaglini emphasized the importance of precision, stating, "Every thousandth of an inch matters in NASCAR, and that's exactly the kind of precision Kennametal brings to its customers." The collaboration with NASCAR allows Kennametal to leverage its extensive experience in metal cutting solutions to meet the unique machining specifications required in the racing industry.

Enhancing NASCAR's Manufacturing Processes

Kennametal’s role as the Official Tooling Supplier means that it will provide advanced tooling solutions and application knowledge to assist NASCAR in streamlining its intricate manufacturing processes. The partnership aims to bolster the speed and reliability of NASCAR vehicles, ensuring they operate at optimal performance during races. Bob Duvall, Managing Director of NASCAR's Competition Partnerships, expressed his excitement over the collaboration, stating, "Today, we have direct access to Kennametal's expertise, helping us identify the right tooling the first time so we can eliminate guesswork."

This partnership builds on a history of cooperation between Kennametal and NASCAR, which includes on-site testing and application support that have proven beneficial for NASCAR’s manufacturing framework. Since Kennametal joined the NASCAR Competition Partner Program in 2023, their applications engineers have been regularly stationed at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. There, they collaborate closely with NASCAR’s teams to refine tooling choices and enhance manufacturing effectiveness.

A Meeting of Innovators

The collaboration is not merely a business arrangement; it represents the fusion of two industry leaders. NASCAR, known for its relentless pursuit of speed, and Kennametal, a leader in industrial technology with more than 85 years of experience, combine their strengths to push the boundaries of manufacturing and performance. Duvall noted that Kennametal’s strong reputation for quality and performance made this partnership a natural fit, stating, “When you’re supporting one of the world’s premier motorsports organizations, every manufacturing decision matters.”

Next Level Shop Exhibit at IMTS 2026

For those interested in exploring this partnership further, Kennametal showcased its innovations at IMTS 2026, located at Booth No. 431800 in the West Building, Level 3, during the show from September 14 to 19. Attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand how Kennametal's cutting-edge technology is poised to change the game in NASCAR and beyond. More information can be found on their website at kennametal.com/imts2026.

About Kennametal

Kennametal Inc. has established itself as a pioneer in productivity solutions through advanced materials science, tooling technology, and wear-resistant solutions. With a customer base spanning various industries including aerospace, energy, and general engineering, they are dedicated to helping clients manufacture with pinpoint accuracy. Currently, around 8,100 employees in nearly 100 countries contribute to Kennametal's solid financial performance, having generated substantial revenue in fiscal 2026. To stay updated on their offerings and innovations, follow Kennametal on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.